Closure member with illuminating means



July 24, 1956 E. A. TROIK CLOSURE MEMBER WITH ILLUMINATING MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 1 1954 ELMER A. TRO/K IN l EN TOR BEEHLER,

HUEBNER,

WORRE L 8 HERZ/G Juiy 24, 1956 E. A. TROIK 2,755,324

CLOSURE MEMBER WITH ILLUMINATING MEANS Filed Jan. 14, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ELMER .4. TRO/K INVENTOR HUEB/VER, BEEHLER,

WORREL & HERZ/G ATTORNEYS United States Patent CLOSURE MEMBER WITH ILLUMJNATING ."NIEANS Elmer A. Troik, Fresno, Calif.

Application January 14, 1954, Serial No. 404,078

Claims. (CI. 240-6.4)

The present invention relates to a closure member for the access opening of a container and more particularly to a closure member having incorporated therein illuminating means to aid in observing the interior of such a container through the access opening, such observation being characterized by the visual inspection of the water level in storage batteries through the filler-plug openings thereof.

It .is well-known that the observation of the level of water in thecells of a storage battery is difficult in locations of restricted illumination and at night. This problem is frequently encountered by gas station attendants who are called upon to check the batteries of motorists. Because of the usual battery locations, it is generally necessary to use a flashlight or some other auxiliary illuminating means to aid in observing the interiors of the-cells. This is a time consuming annoyance to the gas station attendants, especially as they frequently find it necessary to obtain a flashlight from some other location, as in a station, and causes a delay of the motorist.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a closure member having incorporated therein an illuminating means, .the combined device being adapted :normally to be received in closing relation in an opening of. a darkened compartment.

Another object is to provide a device of the nature described which is rendered inoperable as an illuminab ingzmeans when used as a closure member in an opening of a compartment.

Another object is to provide a device if the nature described which is operable as an illuminating means only-upon removal from its normal position as a closure member.

Another object is to provide a self contained closure member and illuminating means for the purposes described.

Another object is to provide a battery plug and illuminating means contained therein for use with storage b'atteries .and the dike and wherein the source of power for operating the-illuminating means is obtained from the storage battery.

Another object is to provide a device of the nature described which is light weight and compact in construction and which is readily adaptable as a battery plug without endangering the elements thereof nor effecting the normal functions of the battery.

These and other objects will be more apparent upon reference to the following description.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a' perspective view of a conventional storage battery showing the application of the present invention thereto.

- Fig. 2 is :a fragmentary section taken on a vertical plane common to the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the device of the present invention. taken at the position indicated by line e a in Fig. 2.

2,756,324 Patented July 24, 1958 Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken at the position indicated by the line 4-4 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is -a section similar to that of Fig. 2. but showing only the housing of the device of the present invention.

Fig. 6.is a fragmentary view of a storage battery showing a second form of the present invention applied thereto.

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of the second form of the invention showing a fragmentary portion of the battery in association therewith.

Fig. 8 is a transverse section taken at the position indicated by line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a transverse section taken at the position indicated by line 9--9 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a transverse section taken at the position indicated by line 10--10 of Fig. 7.

Referring more particularly to the drawings:

As noted above, the present invention is especially useful in housings, casings and the like having darkened chambers or compartments therein to serve the combined functions of a closure member for openings in the housings or casings leading to the chambers and as an aid to observing the interiors of the chambers by the illumination thereof. However, because the present invention is particularly adapted for use with a storage battery, the construction and operation of the invention are conveniently described in connection therewith. It is to be understood, however, that this descriptive expedient is in no way intended to limit the full utilization of the subject invention in any desired operational environrnent'nor to restrict the scope of the claims appended hereto.

A storage battery of the conventional type used in automobiles and the like is indicated at 10. The storage battery 10 is provided with two of the usual filler plugs 11, terminals 12 and the intercell connectors 13. One of the filler plugs 11 is replaced by the combined battery plug and illuminating device 14 of the present invention.

As will be seen in Fig. 2, the device 14 comprises a housing, generally denoted by the numeral 17 and including an elongated substantially cylindrical body portion 18 and a base portion 19 concentrically disposed around the body portion 18 and endwardly extended therefrom. The housing 17 is preferably constructed of a dielectric acid resistant material such as plastic or rubher.

The elongated body portion 18 is provided with an upper section 22 and a lower section 23. The lower section 23 has a rounded nose with an opening or window 24 therein. An electric lamp or bulb 25 is disposed in the lower section 23 of the body and is arranged in such a manner that a protruding portion thereof extends endwardly of the body through the opening 24. A gasket 26 of acid resistant material is provided around the opening 24 between the body and the lamp therein. The lamp 25 is provided with a base portion 27 having a pair of contact terminals 28 and 29 of Well-known form and position inwardly disposed within the body portion. The contact terminal 29 protrudes from the lamp base while the terminal 28 is a ring-shaped area around terminal 29 at the base thereof and insulated therefrom, as shown.

The upper section 22 of body 18 is preferably threaded at its lower end for releasable engagement with an upwardly extending boss on lower section 23 of the body 18, as indicated at 31. The upper section 22 of the body is thus removably attached to the lower section 23. A

as shown. The upper section 22 of the body 18 is provided with an upper flat surface having an opening 35 therein. A flat plate 36 having a button 37 connected thereto is positioned in the upper end of the body between the battery 32 and the top wall of upper section 22. As will be evident, button 37 extends through the opening 35 in the top wall. A spring or other suitable compressible resilient means 40 is provided between the battery 32 and the lamp 25 for urging the battery 32 into its upper or retracted position in the body 18 away from the lamp 25. It is significant to note that the spring 45 provides electrical conduction between the contact terminal 28 of lamp 25 and the contact terminal 33 of the battery 32 when the contacts 34 and 29 are engaged to complete the electrical circuit. 7

From the foregoing it will be evident that spring 40 normally holds battery 32 in its upper or retracted position in body 18 out of lamp energizing position and that by manual depression of button 37, the battery may he slid downwardly in the body until contact terminals 29 and 34 are brought into engagement to energize the lamp.

The base 19, as above stated, is concentrically mounted around the body 18 being integrally attached to the body intermediate the ends thereof and spaced outwardly from the body to provide a chamber 45 therebetween. The lower portion 46 of the base 19 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a bottom wall 47. Portion 46 is threaded around its outer periphery for engagement with the threads of the filler opening 48 in the storage battery 10. An annular flange 49 extends outwardly from the base 19 and is adapted to abut against the base on the upp r surface of the storage battery when the end portion 46 is screwed tightly in place. It is well to reiterate at this point that the entire housing 17 is preferably constructed of a material such as rubber, plastic, or the like. The entire housing may be made of the same material but in any event, the portion 46 including wall 47 is made of a light transmitting material. A pair of ventilating apertures 50 and 51 are provided in the base 19 for the obvious purpose of ventilating the interior of the storage battery cell by communication thereof with the outer atmosphere. v

In order to prevent the lamp 25 from being intentionally or accidentally energized when the device is in position on a battery, a latching means has been provided. Thus, a pin 55 is slidably mounted in suitable aligned apertures 56 and 57 in the body and the base, respectively. As seen in Fig. 2, pin 55 is adapted to slide upwardly and downwardly through the apertures 56 and 57. When the pin is in its upper position, as shown in Fig. 2, it will be noted that the upper end thereof is positioned between the lamp 25 and the battery'32. So located, the pin 55 prevents the battery 32 from being moved downwardly into terminal engaging position with the lamp and effectively locks the battery 32 in its retracted position. However, when the device is removed from the opening 48 by unthreading the base 19 therefrom, pin 55 is adapted gravitationally to slide downwardly in the apertures 56 and 57. When the device is again positioned in an opening, the pin 55 is urged upwardly into the position shown in Fig. 2 when the lower end of the pin abuts or engages the boss on the upper surface of the storage battery 10 into which the device is positioned. A stopping or limiting stop 58 is attached intermediate the ends of the pin 55 and lies within the chamber 45. The stop 58 by preventing the pin from falling out of the apertures, maintains the pin in proper sliding alignment with the apertures.

Operation of first form The operation of the invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point. The device is readily assembled by removing the upper section 22 of the body 18, by inserting the lamp 25 into the lower section 23 of the body 18 whereby the contact terminals 28 and 29 are in an upwardly'disposed position in the body and by fitting the spring 40 around contact 29. The button 37 is next placed through the opening 35 and the battery 32 is slid into the upper section 22 against the plate 36. into position on the lower section 23 of the body while it is made certain that the spring 40 also surrounds the contact terminal 34 of the battery. The device is now ready to be inserted into the filler opening 48 of the storage battery 10. Prior thereto, it should be noted that the pin 55 is in its outwardly extended position from the housing 17 being held in assembled position in the housing by stop 58. As the base 19 is threaded into the opening 48, the pin 55 bears against the boss on the upper surface of the battery 10 whereby it is urged upwardly so that the upper end thereof is extended into the housing 18 beneath the battery 32. So arranged, it is impossible to energize or light the lamp 25 through intentional or accidental depression of button 37. The length of pin 55 is such that when the lower end thereof is flush with the outer. end of opening 57, the upper end of pin 55 is extended into the housing far enough to prevent the terminal 34 from engaging the terminal 29 when the button 27 is depressed.

When it is desired to observe the level of water within a' battery cell, it is merely necessary to remove the housing 17 from the opening 47 by unthreading the base 19 therefrom. With the housing 17 removed, the lamp 25 may be lighted by depressing the button 37, which moves the pin 55 downwardly in the apertures 56 and 57 under urgence of the battery 32 bearing thereagainst. Thus the terminal 34 of the battery may be brought into engagement with the terminal 29 of the lamp completing a circuit through the spring 40. Because the portion 47 of the base 19 is of a light transmitting material, energization of lamp 25 acts to direct light rays through the portion 47 providing the desired source of illumination in a convenient and accessible manner.

Second form of the invention Referring to Figs. 6 through 10, the second form of the invention will readily be understood. This form of the invention generally contemplates using as a source of power the storage battery on which the device is mounted. A storage battery is indicated at in Fig. 6 having a pair of contact terminals 66 and 67. As above, one of the filler plugs is replaced by the device 69 of this invention, in this case being the second form thereof.

The second form of the invention is provided with a housing 70 similar in construction to housing 17 and thus having a body 71 provided with an upper section 72 and a lower section 73. A detailed discussion of the construction of housing 71 is believed unnecessary inasmuch as it is substantially identical to the housing 17. However, a brief reference to the various elements thereof will be made at this point. The lower section 73 is provided with an open end 74 and a lamp 75 is positioned in the lower section and extends. or protrudes outwardly from the end 74. Lamp 75 is provided with a pair of contact terminals 76 and 77 inwardly disposed within the housing. A spring 78 is mounted around the contact terminal 77 of the lamp 75 and bears at its lower end on the. contact terminal 76.

A housing 70 is also provided with a base 82 having a lower portion 83 endwardly disposed from the body 71 and provided peripherally thereon with threads for insertion into the filler opening. A pair of vents 84 and 85 are provided as before. It is also to be understood I that the entire housing 70 is constructed of a plastic,

rubber or other acid resistant material and'thatl'ower portion 83, at least, is of a light transmitting material.

The second form of the invention differs from the first form in the construction of the upper section 72 of the housing and its contained elements. The upper end 72 The upper section is then threaded- 92 thereon adapted for sliding movement within the housing. An insulating block 93 is disposed in the housing 7.1 beneath the plate 92 of but ton 91 for sliding movement in the housing. The block 93 is provided at its lower end with a central contact terminal 94 having a shank extending upwardly into the block. A second contact terminal 95 is attached at the lower end of the block and is a ring-shaped member concentrically spaced around terminal 94. A conducting bar 96 is connected in any suitable manner to the contact terminal 95 and extends upwardly within the block 93.

Block 93 is provided with a pair of recessed portions 100 and 101 on opposite sides thereof. Suitable apertures are provided in the upper end of the housing adjacent to the recessed portions 100 and 101 for receiving lugs 102 and 103, respectively. The terminals 66 and 67 of battery 65 are connected by means of leads 104 and 105 to the lugs 102 and 103, respectively. A pair of wiper plates 106 and 107 are respectively positioned interiorly of the housing within the recesses 100, 101 and are connected to the lugs 102 and 103 respectively. The block 93 is provided with a pair of bores 108 and 109 communicating respectively with the conducting bar '96 and the shank of the contact terminal 94. Spring pressed balls 110 and 111 are mounted in each of the bores 1'08 and 109 providing electrical contact between each of the wiper plates and its respective contact terminal.

For the purpose of guiding the movement of block 93 within the housing 71 whereby the spring-pressed balls continuously ride on the wiper plates, a pin 112 is attached to the body 71 and extends inwardly thereof. A groove 113 formed .in the block 93 receives pin 112 for sliding movement therein, thus preventing rotation of the block 93 'in the body.

As before, a pin having a stop 121 thereon is provided in the housing for slidable movement in an aperture 122 in the body and an aperture 123 in the base. 'Ihe broad function of the pin 120 is the same as the pin 55 and is not again described at this point.

Operation of second form The housing 70 is disposed in the opening of the battery 65 in the same manner as described for the first form of the invention. In this position, the pin 120 is in its upwardly extended position preventing the block 93 from being depressed to engage the terminals 77 and 94 to energize the lamp 75.

When it is desired to observe the interior of the battery, the base 82 is removed by un-threading the portion 83 from the opening. vided in cables 104 and 105, the device 69 may be conveniently lifted and moved around within predetermined limits. When the housing has been so removed, pin 120 is no longer operable to prevent depression of the block 93 and therefore by manually pressing on the button 91 the block 93 may be moved downwardly and the contact terminals 94 and 77 brought into engagement. The lamp 75 is thus energized as a result of the circuit established from battery terminal 67, cable 105, lug 103, upper plate 107, ball 111 and associated spring, terminal 94 and shank, terminal 77, lamp 75, terminal 76, spring 78, terminal 95, bar 96, ball 110 and associated spring, wiper plate 106, lug 102, cable 104 and back to terminal 68 of the battery. It should be noted that during depression or retraction of the block 93, the spring pressed balls ride along the wiper plates 106 and 107 maintaining the electrical circuit with the terminal lugs 66 and 67 of the battery. The pin 112 riding in groove 113 insures that the spring pressed balls ride along the wiper plates, as described.

It will be evident from the foregoing that both forms of the invention provide a highly compact and convenient device for both closing the filler opening of a storage battery and for illuminating the interior thereof. Although the second form of the invention is particularly Because of the extra length pro- 5 adapted to use in a storage battery in that its illuminating energy is received therefrom, both forms are applicable to many other forms of containers or compartments.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A combined closure member and illuminating means for containers having darkened chambers therein accessible through inspection openings comprising an elongated housing having a light transmissible end portion, said portion being adapted for removable insertion into such an inspection opening in closing relation thereto, a lamp mounted in the housing adjacent to the light transmissible end portion thereof, means for energizing the lamp mounted for reciprocal movement in the housing between a position engaging the lamp to energize the same and a position retracted therefrom, a pin mounted in the housing for reciprocal movement between a position with an end portion thereof disposed between the lamp and the lamp energizing means to preclude engagement therebetween and a retracted position with said end portion removed from between the lamp and the energizing means therefor, said pin having a lower end extended from the housing engageable with the container when the housing is mounted in closing relation to the inspection opening thereof to position the pin with the upper end thereof between the lamp and energizing means. 7

2. A combined closure member and check light for containers having darkened chambers therein accessible through inspection openings therefor comprising an elongated housing having a light transmissible end portion, said end portion being adapted for removable insertion into such an inspection opening in closing relation thereto, a lamp mounted in the housing adjacent to the light transmissible end portion, a battery slidably positioned in the housing for movement toward and from the lamp, said lamp and battery having engageable contact terminals adapted to energize the lamp when engaged, and means engageable by the container for preventing engagement of the contact terminals when the housing is in closing relation to the inspection opening of the container moved by engagement with the container to a blocking position between the lamp and the battery.

3. A combined closure member and illuminating device for storage batteries having inspection openings comprising a hollow housing adapted for releasable mounting in the inspection opening of such a battery and having a window disposable within the battery, an electric lamp fitted in the window in the housing adapted when energized to direct light rays through the window into the mounting member, a battery slidably mounted in the housing for reciprocal movement between a position in energizing engagement with the lamp and a retracted position, resilient means mounted between the lamp and battery urging the battery into retracted position, means for urging the battery into lamp engagement in opposition to the resilient means, and a pin slidably mounted in the housing for reciprocal movement between a position blocking energizing engagement of the battery with the lamp and a position permitting said energizing engagement, said pin having a lower end abutting the battery when the housing is mounted therein to urge the pin into blocking position and an upper end portion disposed between the battery and the lamp when said pin is in blocking position.

4. A combined flashlight and battery plug for normally closing a filler opening of a storage battery and operable upon removal from such filler opening to illuminate the interior of a battery cell through the opening comprising a hollow base oflight transmissible material adapted for screw-threaded mounting in a filler opening of such a storage battery, said base having a circumscribing flange tightened .downwardly against the battery by screwthreaded mounting of the base in the filler opening; a substantially cylindrical body having a constricted lower end portion disposed within the base and an opposite end portion externally of the base providing a push button opening therein; an electric lamp mounted within the constricted inner end portion of the body disposed for projection of light through the base; lamp energizing means slidably mounted in the, body and engageable with the lamp to energize the same; a resiliently compressible spring positioned between the lamp and the energizing means urging the energizingmeans into spaced relation with the lamp; a push button extended through the push button opening and engaged withthe lamp energizing means whereby the energizing means can be thrust against the lamp in opposition to the spring; and an elongated substantially straight rod slidably mounted in the base having a lower end extendible' through the flange and an upper end disposed between the lamp and energizing means, said rod being of such length that when the flange is tightened downwardly against the battery the end of the rod opposite to the battery is thrust between the battery and lamp precluding engagement therebetween and when the base is removed from the battery the rod is slidable outwardly of the flange to accommodate engagement of the lamp and the energizing means.

, 5,. A combined flashlight and battery plug for normally closing a filler opening of a storage battery and operable upon removal from such filler opening to illuminate the interior of a battery cell through the opening comprising a hollow base of light transmissible material adapted for screw-threaded mounting in a filler opening of such a storage battery, said base having a circumscribing flange tightened downwardly against the battery by screwthreaded mounting of the base in the filler opening and having a. pair of vent openings therein, one disposed within the battery and the other disposed externally of the battery; 21 substantially cylindrical body having a constricted lower end portion disposed withinthe base and an opposite end portion externally of the base providing a push button opening therein; an electric lamp mounted within the constricted inner end portion of the body, gasket means between the lamp and the constricted inner end portion of the body sealing the body against the admission of battery fumes from Within the base; lamp energizing means slidably mounted in the body and engageable with the lamp to energize the same; a resiliently compressible spring positioned between the lamp and the energizing means urging the energizing means into spaced relation with the lamp; a push button extended through the push button opening, and engaged with the lamp energizing means whereby the energizing means can be thrust against the lamp in opposition to the spring; and an elongated substantially straight rod slidably mounted in the base having a lower end extendible through the flange and an upper end disposed between the lamp and energizing means, said rod being of such length that when the flange is tightened downwardly against the battery the end of the rod opposite to the battery is thrust between the battery and lamp precluding engagement therebetween and when the base is removed from the battery the rod is slidable outwardly of the flange to accommodate engagement of the lamp and the energizing means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

